Drawstring closure torch cover apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cover for outdoor patio torches is provided that prevents the entrance of rain, dust and other undesirables while the torch is not in use. The cover resembles a small pouch-like affair approximately 10″ wide and 12″ long, made of black vinyl to protect against ultraviolet light damage. A drawstring closure located on the bottom, is simply pulled close and secured with a plastic clip or a knot.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention is a Continuation in Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/005,538 filed on Nov. 8, 2001, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to removably mounted cover for flame holders and the like and, more particularly, to a flexible, drawstring cover for use in snuffing and/or protectively covering an otherwise conventional garden torch lamp.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] “Tikki Torches” or patio torches have been in use for years to provide light for outdoor nighttime activities in backyards, parks and campgrounds across the country. In addition to the light they provide, they also lend a festive air to the activities that cannot be duplicated with electric light sources. However, as much fun and useful as these patio torches are, they are limited by a short life span. They must be replaced on an almost regular basis due to the decay and destruction of the bamboo or wood-based torch holder on the upper end of the pole. This destruction is mainly caused by rain, dirt, exposure to the sun's rays, insects and other similar forces present in an outside environment. This destruction is accelerated if the torch is always left outside, even when not in use for long periods of time.

[0006] A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.

[0007] The following patents disclose a liquid fuel apparatus having a fuel container:

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,430 issued in the name of Majerowski

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,371 issued in the name of Rose

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,348 issued in the name of Boij

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,290,907 issued in the name of Boij et al.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,476 issued in the name of Hoffman describes a chafing dish fuel canister with a snuffing device.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,093 issued in the name of Tendick, Sr. discloses a flameguard for receiving an outdoor torch.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,730 issued in the name of Capdeville describes a garden torch with a removable container.

[0015] And, U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,247 issued in the name of Kumasaka discloses a liquid fuel burning torch with a snuffer cap.

[0016] Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method which overcomes there is a need for a means by which patio torches can be protected from environmental elements when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved cover for a patio torch.

[0018] It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved cover having a flexible, drawstring cover for protectively covering an otherwise conventional garden torch lamp.

[0019] Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cover for outdoor patio torches is provided that prevents the entrance of rain, dust and other undesirables while the torch is not in use. The cover resembles a small pouch-like affair approximately 10″ wide and 12″ long, made of black vinyl to protect against ultraviolet light damage. After a patio torch has been extinguished and had a chance to cool, the pouch is simply placed over the upper part of the torch in an inverted manner. A drawstring closure means, now located on the bottom of the invention, is simply pulled close and secured with a plastic clip or a knot.

[0020] The use of the present invention provides a means to protect and extend the useful life of patio torches in a manner which is quick, easy and effective.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patio torch according to the PRIOR ART;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a torch cover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a torch cover shown affixed to a patio torch of type a type conventionally available.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures

[0026] 1. Detailed Description of the Figures

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a cover 10 according to the present invention is shown for use with outdoor patio torches 12 such as to prevent the entrance of rain, dust and other undesirables while the torch 12 is not in use. Designed to enclose the torch 12, wick 14, and wick cap 16, the cover 10 has a generally cylindrical outer housing 20 closed at the upper end by an upper housing cover 22 opposite an entry orifice 24 at the lower end. In order to accommodate the intended use, the internal retention volume 26 formed within the housing 20 is approximately 10″ wide and 12″ long. Both the upper housing cover 22 and the cylindrical outer housing 20 are formed of light impenetrable material, such as black vinyl, to protect against ultraviolet light damage.

[0028] Formed about the lower circumference of the outer housing 20 near the entry orifice 24 is a circumscribing conduit 30 having a conduit entry 32 through which a drawstring 36 can enter and exit in a manner such as to entirely circumscribe the lower portion of the cylindrical outer housing 20. The internal retention volume 26 formed along the interior of the cover 10 is formed by a flame resistant nylon fiber, such as the fiber NOMEX®). Furthermore, the internal retention volume 26 may be formed by a fabric strengthening nylon fiber, such as the fiber KEVLAR®, to strengthen the fabric to withstand heat and/or manual abuse exerted on the cover 10. Thus, the upper end of the internal retention volume 26 may act to extinguish the torch flame through physical stamping of the flame, while the flame/fire resistant nylon fibers allow the cover 10 to be secured against the top of the torch without fear of burning or severely damaging the cover 10.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, it is anticipated that the drawstring retention means 38 can optionally further comprise an integrally attached extinguishing cap 40. Such an extinguishing cap 40 is anticipated has having a cylindrical cap having a top portion 42 (corresponding to the lower wall of the drawstring retention means), a cylindrical sidewall 44 depending from the top portion 42, and a cavity 46 formed along the interior of the cap 40 by the top portion 42 and the sidewall 44. The cap 40 is placed over a torch flame so that the flame enters the cavity 46 and is enveloped by the top portion 42 and sidewall 44. The cap 40 extinguishes the torch flame by physically stamping the flame along the top portion 42. The cap 40 may then rest on the top surface of the torch until the surface sufficiently cools to receive the cover 10. The cap 40 is manufactured from a fire resistant and durable material, such as metal, stone, glass, plexiglass, acrylic, ceramic, mortar, fire resistant nylon and other similar materials, so that the cap 40 may be used repeatedly without melting, disfiguring or otherwise damaging the cap 40.

[0030] 2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0031] In operation, after a patio torch has been extinguished and had a chance to cool, the pouch is simply placed over the upper part of the torch in an inverted manner. A drawstring closure means, now located on the bottom of the invention, is simply pulled close and secured with a plastic clip or a knot.

[0032] The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A torch cover comprising: a generally cylindrical outer housing closed at an upper end by an upper housing cover opposite an entry orifice at a lower end; a circumscribing conduit formed about a lower circumference of said outer housing near said entry orifice and having a conduit entry; an internal retention volume formed within said housing of a dimension approximately 10″ wide and 12″ long; a drawstring entering and exiting said conduit entry in a manner such as to entirely circumscribe said lower of said cylindrical outer housing; and drawstring retention means, said drawstring retention means comprising a spring clip, said spring clip for impinging movement of said drawstring.
 2. The torch cover of claim 1, wherein said upper housing cover is formed of light impenetrable material for impeding penetration of damaging UV-A and UV-B sunlight.
 3. The torch cover of claim 1, wherein said cylindrical outer housing is formed of light impenetrable material for impeding penetration of damagaing UV-A and UV-B sunlight.
 4. A torch cover comprising: a generally cylindrical outer housing including an upper end and a lower end, said upper end integrally coupled to an upper housing cover, said lower end opposite to said upper end, said lower end forming an entry orifice; a circumscribing conduit formed about a lower circumference of said outer housing nears said entry orifice and including a conduit entry; an internal retention volume formed along an interior of said cylindrical outer housing; a drawstring entering and exiting said conduit entry in a manner so as to entirely circumscribe said lower end of said cylindrical outer housing; drawstring retention means for mechanically impinging said drawstring; and an extinguishing cap, said cap integral to said drawstring retention means, said cap comprising a top portion, a cylindrical sidewall depending from said top portion and a cavity formed by said top portion and said sidewall, said cap for extinguishing a torch flame.
 5. The torch cover of claim 4, wherein said internal retention volume measures approximately 10″ wide and 12″ long.
 6. The torch cover of claim 5, wherein said internal retention volume receives the flame bearing portion of a torch.
 7. The torch cover of claim 6, wherein said drawstring retention means comprises a spring clip.
 8. The torch cover of claim 7, wherein said extinguishing cap is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, stone, glass, plexiglass, acrylic, ceramic, mortar and fire resistant nylon.
 9. A torch cover comprising: a generally cylindrical outer housing including an upper end and a lower end, said upper end integrally coupled to an upper housing cover, said lower end opposite to said upper end, said lower end forming an entry orifice; a circumscribing conduit formed about a lower circumference of said outer housing nears said entry orifice and including a conduit entry; an internal retention volume formed along an interior of said cylindrical outer housing, said internal retention volume comprising a fire resistant nylon fiber, said fire resistant nylon fiber for preventing fire and heat damage to said cover; a drawstring entering and exiting said conduit entry in a manner so as to entirely circumscribe said lower end of said cylindrical outer housing; and drawstring retention means for mechanically impinging said drawstring. 10 The torch cover of claim 9, wherein said internal retention volume further comprises a fabric strengthening nylon fiber, said fabric strengthening nylon fiber providing structural integrity to said cover so as to allow said cover to withstand repeated use in extinguishing torch flames.
 11. The torch cover of claim 10, wherein said internal retention volume measures approximately 10″ wide and 12″ long.
 12. The torch of claim 11, wherein said internal retention volume receives the flame bearing portion of a torch.
 13. The torch of claim 12, wherein said drawstring retention means comprises a spring clip. 